The European Investment Bank today participated in the EU-Moldova Investment Conference in Chisinau. The conference focused on investment prospects for Moldova following its decision to sign an Association Agreement including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) with the EU.

EIB Vice President Wilhelm Molterer represented the EU Bank at the conference. Keynote speakers included Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, and Iurie Leanca, Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova.

Vice President Molterer outlined a package of DCFTA support measures to be implemented by the EIB to improve access to finance for Moldovan businesses, boost trade, step up infrastructure lending to attract foreign direct investment, and increase support to agriculture, a key sector for the country.

The EIB has lent nearly €500 million to Moldova in support of private sector development, infrastructure, and the environment since launching operations in the country in 2007. Moldova enjoys the highest EIB lending volume per capita among the Eastern Partnership countries.

Background information:

The European Investment Bank is the long-term lending institution of the European Union and is owned by the EU Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals.